Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s ‘Onside’ project will be running at two prisons’ for the start of 2017 with inmates at HMP Wealstun now signed up to do the 9-week course in January.
‘Onside’, which ran for the first time in 2016 with inmates from HMP Leeds, uses the engaging values of sport to cover areas relating to successful social inclusion for inmates after prison release through onsite classroom learning and support.
The programme delivered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff in partnership with Tempus Novo and supported by Leeds Rhinos Star Brett Delaney, saw significant achievement with members of the first programme successfully completing the 9-week course in December.
Inmates from HMP Wealstun based in Thorp Arch, Wetherby will now take part in the project which combines classroom based workshops looking at areas such as communication, aspiration and lifestyle choices combined with physical activity in the gym.
The new move will see the Leeds Rhinos Foundation able to work with more inmates in 2017, offering practical support around resettlement, training and employment for prisoners following their release to help rehabilitate.
To facilitate further social inclusion, partners Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Tempus Novo will also provide structured employment and volunteering opportunities upon release, which has already seen one success story from the last programme enter full time employment.
“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the people who got me to this point today, said the attendee.
“The staff at HMP Leeds, John, Janet, Adam, Dan and Tempus Novo for the opportunity and not forgetting probation who actually put me forward to work with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
“Coming from a Rugby League background I thought working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation would help me out with dealing with my emotions and issues, but I believe I’ve gained much more than that. Not only for the job opportunity, it’s the support network that’s in place for me upon release that I didn’t expect to be honest.
Instead of me pondering and worrying about my release, a plan is now in place for me to succeed in life and I have those people who I mentioned before to thank for that, so thank you once again, he added,” he added.
The project is funded by the Safer Communities Fund, which was launched by Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, to help voluntary, community groups, charities and partners make their communities safer and feel safer.
The Safer Communities Fund is financed from monies recovered by West Yorkshire Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Grants are awarded in line with the priorities set out in the Police and Crime plan.
Leeds Rhinos player Brett Delaney, who supported the programme last year and presented the inmates with their completion certificates at the end of the course, will continue to support the programme in 2017 supporting more of the delivery.
Project Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Janet Sylvester commented:
“It’s been fantastic to see how well the lads engaged with the programme and grew in confidence and belief over the nine weeks of delivery. Many of the guys we worked with are now in a much better position to re-enter employment and get back on the right track.
“We are indebted to Tempus Novo for their support and the Safer Communities Fund who have backed the project and allowed us to deliver at HMP Leeds. It will be great to work with Wealstun and help more inmates going forward with the programme running at both prisons this year.”
For more information on the Onside Project contact janet.sylvester@leedsrhinosfoundation.org